Ecuador - this amazing piece of paradise

It's now been over a month since I arrived in Ecuador. Having spent a long time checking out Chile and Peru I was beginning to think that my South American adventure had maybe been a little bit of a waste of time. The poverty was over whelming, the agriculture really disappointing and my dog poo on the footpath index off the scale. There were some great spots such as Chinchero (especially with Edgar my Machu Picchu best friend!) but as I now am reading a book called "Open veins of South America" written in the 1970's I can see why South America has mixed reviews. So where does that leave Ecuador. As Mariacecilia Mora, our travel companion and friend said on a FB post (with a little editing!) after our few days together "Ecuador owes no other country anything. We have so much beauty in such a small space!! I marvel at everything that God has created and put in our little piece of earth" and that kind of sums up this place. Ecuador is one of the most species-rich nations on earth. The scenery is stunning, the people friendly, the thick cloud forests ringing with birdsong, mystical Andean traditions steeped in history and silent, snowy volcanoes that loom over sweeping valleys… Ecuador is South America's most breathtaking experiences. So pack your bags and get travelling - (if you would like some hints of what to see and do and how to handle the crazy tax system here then get in touch). I write this as I am about to jump of the plane back home. Till my next travels........